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Social Security & Medicare

Summary of Position

Social Security and Medicare represent our promise to seniors of a secure retirement, and Congressman DeSaulnier is committed to protecting these programs. As 76 million baby boomers approach retirement, Mark is focused on making sure we provide every retiree with the financial security they deserve. He has been a strong advocate for the protection of safety net programs throughout his time in government service and will continue to be a champion for seniors in Congress.

By the Numbers

44 million Americans are covered by Medicare.

9 million disabled Americans rely on Medicare to live healthy lives.

Nearly nine out of ten individuals age 65 and older receive Social Security benefits.

Social Security benefits represent about 33% of the income of the elderly.

Things to Know

Opposed Republican efforts to make cuts to the Medicare program

Hosted a Social Security town hall with Rep. John Larson (D-CT) to discuss ways Congress can protect and expand the program's benefits

Making Social Security Work for You
In order to ensure that the benefits owed to seniors are enough to cover basic living expenses, Mark is a strong supporter of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 1205), which increases benefits across the board and sets a reasonable standard for future cost-of-living adjustments. This bill also eliminates the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), two unfair provisions that punish Americans who have devoted much or all of their careers to public service.

Working to Keep Prescription Drug Costs Affordable
To help control prescription drug costs in Medicare, Mark is a sponsor of the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act (H.R. 242), which allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate the prices that pharmaceutical companies can charge Medicare part D and Medicare Advantage providers for prescription drugs.

Supports Expanding Medicare
Health care is a right, not a privilege. Given the success of our nation’s Medicare program, Mark supports expanding it to cover all Americans. To do that, Mark is a proud sponsor of the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act (H.R. 676), which would provide every American with Medicare coverage and is a step in the direction of universal health care.

For a downloadable copy of Mark's Social Security and Medicare work, click the image below: